Support structure for supporting a cable

ABSTRACT

A support structure is provided for supporting a cable. The support structure includes a body portion extending circumferentially about an axis. The body portion includes a first wall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall, and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an opening extending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The body portion receives the cable within the opening. A retention structure is coupled to the first wall and projects from the first wall towards the second wall. The retention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall. The retention structure retains the cable within the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/605,880, filed on May 25,2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/341,335, filed on May 25, 2016. The entire disclosures of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/605,880 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/341,335 are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is directed towards a support structure. Forexample, the instant application is directed towards a support structurefor supporting a cable.

BACKGROUND

Support structures can be used for supporting a cable, a wire, or thelike. The cable, wire, etc. can be at least partially wound around thesupport structure.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, a support structure for supporting a cable is provided.The support structure comprises a body portion extendingcircumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a firstwall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall,and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. Thefirst wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an openingextending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The bodyportion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. Aretention structure is coupled to the first wall and projects from thefirst wall towards the second wall. The retention structure extendssubstantially parallel to the third wall. The retention structure isconfigured to retain the cable within the opening.

In another example, a support structure for supporting a cable isprovided. The support structure comprises a body portion extendingcircumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a firstwall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall,and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. Thefirst wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an openingextending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The bodyportion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. Aretention structure is coupled to the first wall at a first location andprojects from the first wall towards the second wall. The retentionstructure extends substantially parallel to the third wall and is spaceda distance away from the second wall. The retention structure isconfigured to retain the cable within the opening. A second retentionstructure is coupled to the second wall at a second location andprojects from the second wall towards the first wall. The secondretention structure extends substantially parallel to the third wall andis spaced a second distance away from the first wall. The secondretention structure is configured to retain the cable within theopening.

In another example, a support structure for supporting a cable isprovided. The support structure comprises a body portion extendingcircumferentially about an axis. The body portion comprises a firstwall, a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall,and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall. Thefirst wall, the second wall, and the third wall define an openingextending along a circumferential length of the body portion. The bodyportion is configured to receive the cable within the opening. Aretention structure is coupled to the first wall. The retentionstructure is movable between a first orientation, in which the retentionstructure extends substantially perpendicularly to the third wall, and asecond orientation, in which the retention structure extendssubstantially parallel to the third wall. The retention structure isconfigured to retain the cable within the opening when the retentionstructure is in the second orientation.

The following description and annexed drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but afew of the various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed.Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when consideredin conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example support structure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first example support structure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a first example support structure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a second example support structure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a second example support structure; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second example support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however,that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated inblock diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subjectmatter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. maydiffer from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Referring to FIG. 1, a support structure 100 is illustrated. The supportstructure 100 can support a cable 102. In an example, the cable 102 maycomprise a braided cable. The cable 102 can be bent and/or looped suchthat the support structure 100 may support an end of the cable 102. Thesupport structure 100 can support and maintain the cable 102 in apartially bent configuration, in which the support structure 100 and thecable 102 extend circumferentially about an axis 104. In the illustratedexample, the cable 102 can be bent substantially 180 degrees, such thatthe cable can extend from a first direction, be wound by the supportstructure 100, and continue to extend back in the first direction. Itwill be appreciated that the term “cable,” as used herein, may comprisea loop of a dead-end structure. As such, in an example, the cable 102comprises a loop of a dead-end termination that may connect a structure(e.g., a second cable, etc.) to a pole structure.

The support structure 100 comprises a body portion 106. The body portionmay extend circumferentially about the axis 104. The body portion 106may comprise any number of materials, such as metal materials, non-metalmaterials, plastic materials, composite materials, etc. In someexamples, the body portion 106 may be substantially rigid and/ornon-flexible, such that the body portion 106 is substantially resistantto undesired flexing, torsion, bending, etc. In another example, thebody portion 106 may comprise a metallic material, such that someportions of the body portion 106 can be bent and/or moved in response toan applied force.

Turning to FIG. 2, the body portion 106 is illustrated. It will beappreciated that the body portion 106 is illustrated without the cable102 in FIG. 2 for the purposes of illustration, and to more clearlyillustrated portions of the body portion 106. In operation, however, thebody portion 106 can support the cable 102 in a similar manner asillustrated in FIG. 1.

The body portion 106 may comprise a first wall 200, a second wall 202,and a third wall 204. The first wall 200, the second wall 202, and thethird wall 204 can extend circumferentially about the axis 104. In anexample, the first wall 200 may define an inner radial side 210 of thebody portion 106. The second wall 202 may define an outer radial side212 of the body portion 106. In an example, the second wall 202 canextend substantially parallel to the first wall 200 about the axis 104.

The third wall 204 can extend between the first wall 200 and the secondwall 202. For example, the third wall 204 can be coupled to the firstwall 200 and the second wall 202. In such an example, a first edge ofthe third wall 204 can be coupled to the first wall 200 while anopposing second edge of the third wall 204 can be coupled to the secondwall 202.

The first wall 200, the second wall 202, and the third wall 204 candefine an opening 214. The opening 214 can extend along acircumferential length of the body portion 106. That is, the opening 214can extend between a first end 216 of the body portion 106 and a secondend 218 of the body portion 106. In this example, the opening 214 can bedefined between the inner radial side 210 of the body portion 106 andthe outer radial side 212 of the body portion 106. As such, the opening214 can be bounded by the first wall 200 at the inner radial side 210and by the second wall 202 at the outer radial side 212. The opening 214can be bounded on one lateral side by the third wall 204 and may beunbounded on an opposing lateral side.

The inner radial side 210 can have a smaller circumference than theouter radial side 212. In this example, the inner radial side 210 mayhave a smaller circumferential length than the second wall 202. In anexample, the outer radial side 212 can have a larger circumferentiallength than the first wall 200.

The body portion 106 is configured to receive the cable 102 within theopening 214. For example, the opening 214 may be sized to accommodatethe cable 102. In such an example, the opening 214 may have across-sectional size that is at least as large as a cross-sectional sizeof the cable 102, such that the cable 102 can be received within theopening 214. In some examples, the opening 214 can define a relativelytight fit for the cable 102, such that the cable 102 is substantiallylimited from inadvertent moving, sliding, etc. In such an example, thecable 102 may be in contact with the first wall 200, the second wall202, and the third wall 204 when received within the opening 214.

The body portion 106 may comprise one or more retention structures. Inan example, the body portion 106 comprises a retention structure 230, asecond retention structure 232, and a third retention structure 234.While three retention structures are illustrated in FIG. 2, it will beappreciated that any number of retention structures, at a number ofdifferent positions, are envisioned.

The retention structure 230 may be coupled to the first wall 200. Theretention structure 230 can project from the first wall 200 towards thesecond wall 202. In an example, the retention structure 230 can beintegrally formed with the first wall 200 (e.g., as a one piece formedstructure). In another example, the retention structure 230 can beseparately attached to the first wall 200, such as with adhesives,mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In theseexamples, the retention structure 230 can retain the cable 102 withinthe opening 214.

The retention structure 230 can extend substantially parallel to thethird wall 204 and may be spaced a distance away from the second wall202. As such, the retention structure 230 can define a gap 236 locatedbetween an end of the retention structure 230 and the second wall 202.The gap 236 can have a reduced distance as compared to a distancebetween the first wall 200 and the second wall 202. This reduced gapdistance of the gap 236 can allow for a snap-fit between the bodyportion 106 and the cable 102.

The second retention structure 232 may be coupled to the second wall202. The second retention structure 232 can project from the second wall202 towards the first wall 200. In an example, the second retentionstructure 232 can be integrally formed with the second wall 202 (e.g.,as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the secondretention structure 232 can be separately attached to the second wall202, such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g.,welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the second retention structure232 can assist in retaining the cable 102 within the opening 214.

The second retention structure 232 can extend substantially parallel tothe third wall 204 and may be spaced a distance away from the first wall200. As such, the second retention structure 232 can define a second gap238 located between an end of the second retention structure 232 and thefirst wall 200. The second gap 238 can have a reduced distance ascompared to a distance between the first wall 200 and the second wall202.

The third retention structure 234 may be coupled to the first wall 200.The third retention structure 234 can project from the first wall 200towards the second wall 202. In an example, the third retentionstructure 234 can be integrally formed with the first wall 200 (e.g., asa one piece formed structure). In another example, the third retentionstructure 234 can be separately attached to the first wall 200, such aswith adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g., welding, etc.),etc. In these examples, the third retention structure 234 can retain thecable 102 within the opening 214.

The third retention structure 234 can extend substantially parallel tothe third wall 204 and may be spaced a distance away from the secondwall 202. As such, the third retention structure 234 can define a thirdgap 240 located between an end of the third retention structure 234 andthe second wall 202. The third gap 240 can have a reduced distance ascompared to a distance between the first wall 200 and the second wall202. In some examples, the gap 236, the second gap 238, and the thirdgap 240 can have substantially similar dimensions.

In an example, the retention structures 230, 232, 234 can have similaror identical shapes. For example, the retention structures 230, 232, 234may have a substantially cubic shape with a quadrilateralcross-sectional shape. In such an example, a side of the cubic shape maybe coupled to an inner surface of the first wall 200 or the second wall202.

In an example, the retention structure 230 can extend along a retentionstructure axis 250. In another example, the second retention structure232 can extend along a second retention structure axis 252. In anexample, the third retention structure 234 can extend along a thirdretention structure axis 254. In the illustrated axis, the secondretention structure axis 252 may be non-parallel with respect to theretention structure axis 250 and the third retention structure axis 254.In a possible example, the retention structure axis 250 and the thirdretention structure axis 254 may be substantially parallel to each otherand/or coaxial with respect to each other.

The retention structure 230, the second retention structure 232, and thethird retention structure 234 can be positioned to assist in retainingthe cable 102 within the opening 214. For example, the retentionstructure 230 can be positioned adjacent to the first end 216 and/orspaced a distance apart from the first end 216. Such a distance may beless than double the width (e.g., with the width being measured in adirection that is along a length of the body portion 106 between thefirst end 216 and the second end 218) of the retention structure 230.

The third retention structure 234 can be positioned adjacent to thesecond end 218 and/or spaced a distance apart from the second end 218.Such a distance may be less than double the width (e.g., with the widthbeing measured in a direction that is along a length of the body portion106 between the first end 216 and the second end 218) of the thirdretention structure 234.

The second retention structure 232 can be positioned substantially at amidpoint of the body portion 106. As such, the second retentionstructure 232 can be located at a maximum distance as measured from anaxis intersecting the first end 216 and the second end 218 of the bodyportion 106. In this example, a distance separating the retentionstructure 230 and the second retention structure 232 may substantiallymatch a distance separating the retention structure 230 and the thirdretention structure 234. In this example, the second retention structure232 can be located a substantially same distance from the first end 216and the second end 218 as measured along a length of the body portion106. In this example, the second retention structure 232 may be locateda maximum distance from the first end 216 and the second end 218 asmeasured along a length of the body portion 106. In this way, the cable102 can be retained by the retention structure 230 and the thirdretention structure 234 at the first end 216 and the second end 218,respectively. The cable 102 may be retained by the second retentionstructure 232 at a midpoint of the body portion 106.

In some examples, the body portion 106 comprises one or more supportopenings. For example, the body portion 106 may comprise a first supportopening 260, a second support opening 262, and a third support opening264. The first support opening 260 can be defined within the third wall204 adjacent to the retention structure 230. The second support opening262 can be defined within the third wall 204 adjacent to the secondretention structure 232. The third support opening 264 can be definedwithin the third wall adjacent to the third retention structure 234. Inan example, the support openings 260, 262, 264 can allow for the bodyportion 106 to have a reduced weight while still having a sufficientstrength to support the cable 102. In addition or in the alternative,the support openings 260, 262, 264 can be provided as a result of themanufacturing of the body portion 106.

Turning to FIG. 3, an end view of the first end 216 of the body portion106 is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the second end 218 maybe substantially similar and/or identical to the first end 216.Likewise, while the retention structure 230 is illustrated in FIG. 3, aside/end view of the second retention structure 232 and the thirdretention structure 234 may be substantially similar and/or identical indimension, shape, etc.

The retention structure 230 can extend along the retention structureaxis 250 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the third wall204. Likewise, the second retention structure 232 and the thirdretention structure 234 can extend along the second retention structureaxis 252 and the third retention structure axis 254, respectively, indirections that are substantially parallel to the third wall 204. In anexample, an upper surface of the retention structures 230, 232, 234(e.g., on an opposite side from the third wall 204) may be substantiallyplanar with an upper surface of the first wall 200 and the second wall202.

The first wall 200 can define a first inner surface 300. In an example,the first inner surface 300 of the first wall 200 may be substantiallyplanar. The second wall 202 can define a second inner surface 302. In anexample, the second inner surface 302 may be substantially planar. Insome examples, the first inner surface 300 is substantially parallel tothe second inner surface 302. The third wall 204 can define a thirdinner surface 304. In an example, the third inner surface 304 isnon-planar and may extend at least partially circumferentially about athird axis.

It will be appreciated that the first inner surface 300 and the secondinner surface 302 are not limited to being substantially planar. Rather,in some examples, the first inner surface 300 and the second innersurface 302 may be non-planar, and may have a bend, a curvature, etc. Insome examples, the third inner surface 304 is not limited to beingsubstantially non-planar. Rather, the third inner surface 304 may besubstantially flat and planar.

The opening 214 can be defined at least partially between the retentionstructures 230, 232, 234, the first wall 200, the second wall 202, andthe third wall 204. In this example, a bottom surface of the retentionstructures 230, 232, 234 can be spaced apart from the third wall 204 toat least partially define the opening 214. As such, the cable 102 can beretained within the opening 214 by the retention structures 230, 232,234. The cable 102 can contact, engage, etc. the bottom surface of theretention structures 230, 232, 234 to limit the cable 102 frominadvertently being removed from the opening 214.

In operation, the cable 102 can be inserted into the opening 214 bysnapping the cable 102 into the opening 214 from above the body portion106. Once the cable has been inserted into the opening 214, the cable102 can be retained by the retention structures 230, 232, 234.

Turning to FIG. 4, a second example support structure 400 isillustrated. The support structure 400 can support the cable 102. In anexample, the support structure 400 comprises a body portion 402 that mayextend circumferentially about the axis 104. The support structure 400can support and maintain the cable 102 in a partially bentconfiguration, in which the support structure 400 and the cable 102extend circumferentially about the axis 104.

The body portion 402 may comprise any number of materials, such as metalmaterials, non-metal materials, plastic materials, composite materials,etc. In the illustrated example, the body portion 402 may comprise ametal material, such that a portion of the body portion 402 can be bentand/or moved in response to an applied force.

Turning to FIG. 5, the body portion 402 is illustrated. It will beappreciated that the body portion 402 is illustrated without the cable102 in FIG. 5 for the purposes of illustration, and to more clearlyillustrated portions of the body portion 402. In operation, however, thebody portion 402 can support the cable 102 in a similar manner asillustrated in FIG. 4.

The body portion 402 may comprise a first wall 500, a second wall 502,and a third wall 504. The first wall 500, the second wall 502, and thethird wall 504 can extend circumferentially about the axis 104. In anexample, the third wall 504 may define an inner radial side 506 of thebody portion 402. The first wall 500 and the second wall 502 can definelateral sides of the body portion 402. The first wall 500, the secondwall 502, and the third wall 504 can define an opening 508 that bordersan outer radial side 510 of the body portion 402.

In an example, the second wall 502 can extend substantially parallel tothe first wall 500 about the axis 104. The third wall 504 can extendbetween the first wall 500 and the second wall 502. For example, thethird wall 504 can be coupled to the first wall 500 and the second wall502. In such an example, a first edge of the third wall 504 can becoupled to the first wall 500 while an opposing second edge of the thirdwall 504 can be coupled to the second wall 502.

The first wall 500, the second wall 502, and the third wall 504 candefine the opening 508. The opening 508 can extend along acircumferential length of the body portion 402. That is, the opening 508can extend between a first end of the body portion 402 and a second endof the body portion 402. In this example, the opening 508 can be definedbetween the inner radial side 506 of the body portion 402 and the outerradial side 510 of the body portion 402. As such, the opening 508 can bebounded by the third wall 504 at the inner radial side 506 and may beunbordered at the outer radial side 510.

The body portion 402 is configured to receive the cable 102 within theopening 508. For example, the opening 508 may be sized to accommodatethe cable 102. In such an example, the opening 508 may have across-sectional size that is at least as large as a cross-sectional sizeof the cable 102, such that the cable 102 can be received within theopening 508. In some examples, the opening 508 can define a relativelytight fit for the cable 102, such that the cable 102 is substantiallylimited from inadvertent moving, sliding, etc. In such an example, thecable 102 may be in contact with the first wall 500, the second wall502, and the third wall 504 when received within the opening 508.

The body portion 402 may comprise one or more retention structures. Inan example, the body portion 402 comprises a retention structure 520 anda second retention structure 522. While two retention structures areillustrated in FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that any number ofretention structures, at a number of different positions, areenvisioned. The retention structure 520 can be coupled to the first wall500 while the second retention structure 522 can be coupled to thesecond wall 502.

The retention structure 520 and the second retention structure 522 areillustrated in a first orientation in FIG. 5. In the first orientation,the retention structure 520 may project substantially parallel to thefirst wall 500. The retention structure 520 can be integrally formedwith the first wall 500 (e.g., as a one piece formed structure). Inanother example, the retention structure 520 can be separately attachedto the first wall 500, such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners,bonding (e.g., welding, etc.), etc. In these examples, the retentionstructure 520 can retain the cable 102 within the opening 508.

In the first orientation, the second retention structure 522 may extendsubstantially parallel to the second wall 502. The second retentionstructure 522 can be integrally formed with the second wall 502 (e.g.,as a one piece formed structure). In another example, the secondretention structure 522 can be separately attached to the second wall502, such as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, bonding (e.g.,welding, etc.). In these examples, the second retention structure 522can retain the cable 102 within the opening 508.

In the first orientation, the retention structure 520 and the secondretention structure 522 can extend substantially perpendicularly to thethird wall 504. The retention structure 520 and the second retentionstructure 522 may be spaced a distance apart from each other (e.g., thesame distance that the first wall 500 and the second wall 502 are spacedapart). As such, the retention structure 520 and the second retentionstructure 522 may define a gap 524 therebetween. In an example, the gap524 may be sized to be equal to or larger than a cross-sectional size ofthe cable 102. As such, the gap 524 can allow for the cable 102 to beinserted into the opening 508 and/or to be removed from the opening 508.

Turning to FIG. 6, the retention structure 520 and the second retentionstructure 522 can be moved from the first orientation (e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 5) to a second orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 6). In the second orientation, the retention structure 520 can bemoved to extend substantially parallel to the third wall 504 andsubstantially perpendicular to the first wall 500 and the second wall502. In the second orientation, the second retention structure 522 canbe moved to extend substantially parallel to the third wall 504 andsubstantially perpendicular to the first wall 500 and the second wall502. In an example, in the second orientation, the retention structure520 and the second retention structure 522 can extend substantiallyparallel to each other and co-planar with respect to each other.

In an example, the retention structure 520 can extend along a retentionstructure axis 620 when the retention structure 520 is in the secondorientation. In an example, the second retention structure 522 canextend along a second retention structure axis 622 when the secondretention structure 522 is in the second orientation. In some examples,the retention structure axis 620 and the second retention structure axis622 may be substantially parallel. In the illustrated example, theretention structure axis 620 and the second retention structure axis 622may be substantially co-axial, since the retention structure 520 and thesecond retention structure 522 are located at matching and opposinglocations of the first wall 500 and the second wall 502, respectively.

With the retention structure 520 and the second retention structure 522in the second orientation, the body portion 402 can support the cable102 within the opening 508. For example, the cable 102 can contact afirst inner surface 600 of the first wall 500, a second inner surface602 of the second wall 502, and/or a third inner surface 604 of thethird wall 504.

In an example, the first inner surface 600 may be substantially planar.In an example, the second inner surface 602 may be substantially planar.In an example, the third inner surface 604 may be non-planar and mayextend at least partially circumferentially about a third axis. Theopening 508 can therefore bet defined at least partially between theretention structures (520, 522), the first wall 500, the second wall502, and the third wall 504. In the second orientation, the retentionstructure 520 and the second retention structure 522 can be spaced apartfrom the third wall 204 to at least partially define the opening 508. Assuch, the cable 102 can be retained within the opening 508 by theretention structures (520, 522).

In the example of FIGS. 4 to 6, the body portion 402 may comprise amaterial that has at least some degree of flexibility and/or pliabilityin response to a force, such as a metal material (e.g., or othermaterials that have at least some degree of ductility). In such anexample, a force can be applied to the retention structure 520 and thesecond retention structure 522 to cause the retention structure 520 andthe second retention structure 522 to move from the first orientation tothe second orientation. As such, when the retention structure 520 andthe second retention structure 522 are in the first orientation, thecable 102 can be inserted into the opening 508. With the cable 102positioned within the opening 508, the retention structure 520 and thesecond retention structure 522 can be moved to the second orientation(e.g., due to a force being applied to the retention structure 520 andthe second retention structure 522). In the second orientation, theretention structure 520 and the second retention structure 522 canretain the cable 102 within the opening 508.

The support structure 100, 400 described herein provides a number ofbenefits. For example, the support structure 100, 400 can support acable 102. In addition, due to the curved and/or rounded configurationof the support structure 100, 400, wear and fatigue on the cable 102 isreduced (e.g., in response to movement caused by wind, etc.). Such areduction in wear on the cable 102 (e.g., a loop of a dead-end) isbeneficial due to a reduced likelihood of fatigue on the cable 102. Inan example, the support structure 100, 400 can meet bend radiusrequirements to limit fatigue and to allow for long term performance.The retention structures can avoid lost components and allow forrelatively easier handling during installation with a reduced likelihoodof lost parts. Materials may be selected for chemical, electrical,mechanical, or corrosion resistant properties to meet applicationrequirements.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, thespecific features and acts described above are disclosed as exampleforms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order inwhich some or all of the operations described should not be construed toimply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternativeordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description.Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarilypresent in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understoodthat not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unlessspecified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended toimply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather,such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features,elements, items, etc. For example, a first component and a secondcomponent correspond to component A and component B or two different ortwo identical components or the same component.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B.Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, orvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described withrespect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon areading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterationsand is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particularregard to the various functions performed by the above describedcomponents (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describesuch components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,to any component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support structure for supporting a cable, thesupport structure comprising: a body portion extending circumferentiallyabout an axis, the body portion comprising: a first wall; a second wallextending substantially parallel to the first wall; and a third wallcoupled between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall defining an opening extending along acircumferential length of the body portion, the body portion configuredto receive the cable within the opening; and a first retention structurecoupled to the first wall, the first retention structure movable betweena first orientation, in which the first retention structure extendssubstantially perpendicular to the third wall, and a second orientation,in which the first retention structure extends substantially parallel tothe third wall, the first retention structure configured to retain thecable within the opening when the first retention structure is in thesecond orientation.
 2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein, in thefirst orientation, the first retention structure extends substantiallyparallel with the first wall.
 3. The support structure of claim 1,wherein, in the second orientation, the first retention structureextends substantially perpendicular to the first wall.
 4. The supportstructure of claim 1, comprising a second retention structure coupled tothe second wall, the second retention structure movable between a thirdorientation, in which the second retention structure extendssubstantially perpendicular to the third wall, and a fourth orientation,in which the second retention structure extends substantially parallelto the third wall, the second retention structure configured to retainthe cable within the opening when the second retention structure is inthe fourth orientation.
 5. The support structure of claim 4, wherein:the first retention structure extends along a first retention structureaxis when the first retention structure is in the second orientation,the second retention structure extends along a second retentionstructure axis when the second retention structure is in the fourthorientation, and the first retention structure axis and the secondretention structure axis are substantially parallel.
 6. The supportstructure of claim 4, wherein: the first wall is spaced apart from thesecond wall by a first distance, and when the first retention structureis in the first orientation and the second retention structure is in thethird orientation, the first retention structure is spaced apart fromthe second retention structure by a second distance greater than orequal to the first distance.
 7. The support structure of claim 4,wherein: when the first retention structure is in the second orientationand the second retention structure is in the fourth orientation, thefirst retention structure is co-planar with the second retentionstructure.
 8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the cable is aloop of a dead-end termination.
 9. The support structure of claim 8,wherein the dead-end termination connects a structure to a polestructure.
 10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the firstretention structure is integrally formed with the first wall.
 11. Thesupport structure of claim 1, comprising a second retention structurecoupled to the second wall, wherein the first retention structure andthe second retention structure intersect a same axis extendingperpendicular to the circumferential length.
 12. The support structureof claim 1, wherein: the third wall defines an inner radial side of thebody portion, and the opening borders an outer radial side of the bodyportion.
 13. The support structure of claim 1, wherein a surface of thefirst wall facing the opening is planar, a surface of the second wallfacing the opening is planar, and a surface of the third wall facing theopening is non-planar.
 14. A support structure for supporting a cable,the support structure comprising: a body portion extendingcircumferentially about an axis, the body portion comprising: a firstwall; a second wall extending substantially parallel to the first wall;and a third wall coupled between the first wall and the second wall,wherein: the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall define anopening extending along a circumferential length of the body portion,the body portion is configured to receive the cable within the opening,a surface of the first wall facing the opening is planar, a surface ofthe second wall facing the opening is planar, and a surface of the thirdwall facing the opening is non-planar; and a first retention structurecoupled to the first wall and configured to retain the cable within theopening.
 15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the firstretention structure is movable between a first orientation, in which thecable is not retained by the first retention structure, and a secondorientation, in which the cable is retained by the first retentionstructure.
 16. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the cable is aloop of a dead-end termination.
 17. The support structure of claim 14,wherein the first retention structure is integrally formed with thefirst wall.
 18. The support structure of claim 14, wherein: the thirdwall defines an inner radial side of the body portion, and the openingborders an outer radial side of the body portion.
 19. A supportstructure for supporting a cable, the support structure comprising: abody portion extending circumferentially about an axis, the body portioncomprising: a first wall; a second wall extending substantially parallelto the first wall; and a third wall coupled between the first wall andthe second wall, the first wall, the second wall, and the third walldefining an opening extending along a circumferential length of the bodyportion, the body portion configured to receive the cable within theopening; and a first retention structure selectively movable between afirst orientation and a second orientation to selectively retain thecable in the opening.
 20. The support structure of claim 19, wherein thecable is only retained in the opening when the first retention structureis in the second orientation.